Self-publishing firm Lulu has confirmed layoffs, both at its Raleigh headquarters and globally. Chief Operating Officer Tom Bright confirms that nine staff members were let go in Raleigh Nov. 5.

The company, he said via email, “is refining its strategy and platform focus. Lulu’s broader mission is to help people tell their stories and share their experiences. In support of this expanded direction, Lulu is restructuring staff at its headquarters in Raleigh and at offices around the globe.”

Bright wrote that there could be more local layoffs in the coming months. He declined to reveal the total number of layoffs. The company employs 120, most of them in Raleigh.

“Our restructuring will mean eliminating or changing the focus of more positions still under review as certain projects wind down through the first quarter of 2012,” he wrote. “This does not necessarily mean departures. We will create new roles for which existing team members can apply as well as make new hires in exciting growth areas beginning in Q1.”

The company was founded in 2002 after its CEO, Bob Young, left another company he helped launch, Raleigh-based Red Hat (NYSE: RHT).

Lulu prides itself in “open publishing,” allowing users to self-publish in a variety of ways, including hardcover books, eBooks and calendars. Publishing is free, as is selling, and Lulu keeps 20 percent of the royalties. On its website, Lulu claims to publish about 20,000 new titles a month.